West Brunswick dance team fundraises for Macy's Parade

SHALLOTTE—This Thanksgiving, some familiar local faces will be seen among those marching in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Five West Brunswick High School dance team members will perform a routine at Herald Square during this year’s parade.

The dance team attended a Universal Dance Association (UDA) camp this past summer at Wake Forest University. The captain of each school team, as well as other members who demonstrate leadership at camp and at school, are invited to participate in the annual parade.

Suzannah Harrelson, 17, Anna Barefoot, 17, Hannah Gaskins, 17, Hannah Hilz, 15, and Julie Donoghue, 16, will represent the WBHS dance team.

The girls will receive a DVD and learn the routine before leaving for the parade. They will attend several practices with other UDA dancers and Universal Cheer Association cheerleaders once in New York City. West Brunswick was represented in the parade several years ago by two of its dance team members.

The dance team must fundraise in order to pay for the $1,600 cost associated with the parade participation. Sponsorship for the West Brunswick Youth Dance Camp is available for purchase by local businesses that in turn receive advertisement at the camp. Silver sponsorship is $50-$99, gold is $100-$199 and platinum is $200 or more.

Youth camp is from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 13, costs $30 per person, and includes a T-shirt and ticket to the Sept. 19 football game where campers will perform at halftime. Students in grades K-8 can attend the camp.

The team is also selling coupon books for $25 with discounts to local businesses as well as establishments in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Wilmington.

Other fundraisers include a back-to-school dance at West on Sept. 5 after football game; a car wash at Wal-Mart on Sept. 6; a kick-a-thon at the home football game Sept. 12 where the girls will kick one football per dollar raised; and McDonald’s Night on Sept. 24.

“These girls deserve this trip, and we would appreciate all of the help that we can get,” Sara Ellis, WBHS dance team instructor, said. “They are representing not only their school but also the community. We want the community behind them 100 percent.”

Those wanting to donate or get more information can call Ellis at 846-9951.

Kathryn Jacewicz is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or at kjacewicz@brunswickbeacon.com.